Page

How to Choose a Bike

Guide

Mountain Bikes

Mountain bikes are a heavier and designed to tackle more rugged terrain. The first mountain bikes were just repurposed cruiser bikes, but these days, mountain bikes are designed for very specific purposes. Divided into XC, downhill, freeride, and all-mountain, there's a bike for every type of dirt worshipper.

Road Bikes

From race-day rockets to commuters with fenders and lights, road bikes are designed for use on the road. A steel townie or a touring bike isn't going to win any races, but a high-tech carbon fiber or titanium race bike may be overkill for the casual commuter. Skinny wheels and tires make these bikes faster and more aerodynamic than mountain bikes.

Cyclocross

Cyclocross bikes are designed to provide maximum pedaling efficiency when the terrain varies between light singletrack, doubletrack fire roads, and pavement. Aside from the obvious differences in tires and brakes, cyclocross bikes use a less aggressive geometry than their road cousins for greater stability off road.